(A) The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government depends upon the continuing consent of the governed, upon the public confidence in the integrity of the government and upon reasonable exercise of the trust conferred by the people. Government decisions and policy must be made and implemented through proper channels and processes of the government structure. The purpose of this code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for County Commissioners. It should not be considered a substitute for the law.
(B) County Commissioners must be able to act in a manner to maintain their integrity and independence and they must be responsive to the interests and needs of those they represent. County Commissioners serve in an important advocacy capacity in meeting the needs of their citizens and should recognize the legitimacy of this role as well as the intrinsic importance of this function to the proper functioning of representative government. At the same time, County Commissioners must, at times, act in an adjudicatory or administrative capacity and must, when doing so, act in a fair and impartial manner. County Commissioners must know how to distinguish these roles and when each role is appropriate and they must act accordingly. County Commissioners must be aware of their obligation to conform their behavior to standards of ethical conduct that warrant the trust of their constituents including avoiding the appearance of conflicts of interest.
(Ord. passed 12-4-2006)